Willoughby Hills Council looks to hire special counsel to investigate mayor, other officials

Willoughby Hills City Council is considering an ordinance to hire special counsel to investigate alleged misuse of the Maplegrove Grange.

It was alleged in a committee meeting held on Aug. 24 that Mayor Robert Weger, the mayor’s executive assistant Gloria Majeski, and Civil Service Commission Chairman Thomas Majeski allowed Rick Thompson to illegally run a for-profit business out of the Grange while denying its use to other Willoughby Hills residents.

The ordinance was given its first reading at council’s Sept. 14 meeting.

City Law Director Thomas Lobe said the ordinance would be illegal and warned that any council member who votes in its favor could be subjecting themselves to a lawsuit. Lobe also questioned the timing of the ordinance, as the investigation would involve candidates on the November ballot.

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Lobe also stated the city’s charter grants council the authority to do what is in the best interest for and the safety of the city, but it does not grant them rights to appoint a special counsel.

Councilwoman Laura Pizmoht asked if an investigation into alleged illegal misuse of city property wasn’t in the best interest of the city.

Weger also expressed concern that the appointment of special counsel would violate the charter.

Council President Nancy Fellows, who would be the one to appoint the special prosecutor, said Weger, previously as council president, had decided to hire special counsel for the city. She questioned why it was allowed then and not in this case. Lobe replied the facts were different.

Comments from residents were mixed during public portion. Some wanted the investigation to know what was happening at the Grange and others felt it was a waste of tax dollars to hire a special prosecutor.

No vote on the ordinance was held.

Fellows stated that it would be discussed further in executive session before making any decision.